I wanted something to protect my 2011 Versys that looks good too. SW-Motech's crash bars are perfect.
And now I have a place to mount my highway pegs. Although I would like to see SW-Motech come up with their own hardware for adding pegs/accessories. I had to do some searching for the right parts or was going to have to make it myself. Luckily I found another mfg (Bike Master) who makes 7/8 bar clamps (with accessory mount) that worked nicely with a slight modification. I used my passenger foot pegs, welded up my own brackets so the pegs use their own mechanism to lock in the in or out position. These work great. Now just need SW-Motech to mfg these.
Later when I can afford my driving lights, these bars will provide an excellent location for mounting the lights. (Posted on 2016-06-02)

Review by David

Rating

Superb quality. it could have a better design features, but I wanted the best protection possible and I got it. (Posted on 2015-11-09)

Review by NilesS

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Installing the Crashbars went quite easily on my 2008 Versys. I had some caps that I put on the bolts and it cleaned up the install quite a bit. After reading about other people's installs, I would suggest putting black tubing on the U-Bolts before installing them - it will clean it up a bit more and also add some padding to prevent damage. (Posted on 2015-09-21)

Review by Barb

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I did a few searches online to see what folks were mounting on the Versys 650, these bars seemed to give the best coverage for the engine as well as the upper plastics. I like that they match the Versys' frame lines and give you more placement options for bolt-on accesories like auxiliary lights.

They were very easy to install, and all the parts have a perfect fit. The only thing I'd improve on is the U-bolt clamps, which are your simple hardware store parts and look it.....but the Versys is so rare that this lowers the cost for the whole kit.

I didn't notice any more vibration than before I mounted them, an issue some have reported. My bike is a second gen, so it may have been an issue with the first gen only?

All in all, I know that if/when the Versys ever goes down....it will be well protected, and the peice of mind it well worth it.

Great job, SW-Motech!

Oh, and a note about purchase/shipping.....there was only one place to get these from in Canada, but that is no issue as Twisted Throttle has a decent price, fast shipping and great sales staff! (Posted on 2015-03-30)

Review by ninjaneer

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I decided that I would be able to figure out how to install the crash bars despite the disclaimers about using them on the California models and found that doing so was easier than I had hoped. I punched a new mounting hole in the bracket for the evaporative emissions package and rotated it a little bit counter-clockwise to clear the upper clamp on the crash bar. After that I needed to carve a little off the plastic cover for the same package to clear the same clamp. No modifications were needed on the crash bar. The bars are solid with a nice finish. They look good on the motorcycle and provide a great spot for mounting a GoPro with little vibration. (Posted on 2015-01-08)

Review by VonB

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I agree with all the other reviewers, this is a solid product, doing the installation by my self toke 90min. one thing others didn't mention is (unless i mess it.) the original bolts will have a different size bolt than the new ones, no being picky but it would have been nice to use the same size socket as the bolt your removing.

Overall I love them, i now feel a little more secure if i drop my Versys 2009 (Posted on 2014-12-31)

Review by Scott13Versys

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I love the guards and the way they look; super sturdy. Not really that hard to install once you figure out the hieroglyphics that they call instructions.....that's the only reason I gave it 4 instead of 5 stars. (Posted on 2014-11-01)

Review by Anonymous

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I got this product to mount foot pegs on for long trips. But, they are of just good quality and great fit, that I am even more happy with the purchase. (Posted on 2014-07-07)

Review by Anonymous

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The nylon lock nuts that come with the new front bolts are too tall and will not fit in the allowable space deep enough to enable the new bolt to align. The stock nuts were about half the width of the new ones, but they are a different thread pattern. Had to make a trip to my local hardware store to get new thinner nuts and use lock washers. Oh, and the new bolts, nuts are a different thread than stock. Found that out the hardway b/c I tried using the stock nut on the new bolts. So, not only had to buy new nuts but also a new bolt. I can't be the only person having this problem. Otherwise, well built product and am satisfied overall. It's not a project if you don't have to make an extra trip to the hardware store, right? (Posted on 2014-07-07)

Review by Anonymous

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Installation wasn't too bad. Taking plastics off was the hardest part. Appears to be great protection, and still looks good. Hope I don't ever have to test it, but I assume it'll do it's job. I'll update if i ever find out. Price seems a little steep, but for the peace of mind it's worth it for me. Not to mention the quality great and doing business with SW Motech is a pleasure. (Posted on 2014-07-07)